“These songs have elegance and grace but also grit under their nails. Clothed in classic soul but accessorised by unique flourishes that thrill. Breaks my black heart.” – Tim Rogers
The Meltdown, Melbourne’s purveyors of the finest country soul, are delighted to announce the release of their self-titled debut album through HopeStreet Recordings. Blending country, gospel and 60s soul, the result is a unique take on Australian soul music and a record full of life, energy and deeply felt storytelling.
With influences ranging from Father John Misty, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Alabama Shakes built above a steady foundation of southern soul music, this collection of stellar players have created a mesh of Stax and Motown with a healthy dose of the Nashville songwriting tradition. Making the song the focus, The Meltdown stay true to the common goal of the story and keep your attention on the honey soaked tones of Simon Burke’s incredible voice.
After the success of the first two singles, ‘Colours In The Sky’ and ‘Don’t Hesitate’ the debut album is now highly anticipated. Since the release of the 2015 EP, ‘Better Days’, the band have been honing their songs and sound on the Australian festival circuit, with appearances at Queenscliff Music Festival, Mullum Music festival, Caloundra Music Festival, AWME and Summer of Soul. They have clocked hundreds of thousands of streaming hits worldwide and are featured in the soundtrack of US cable show Rosewood. Recorded at Sing Sing, the album will be released digitally as well as on CD and vinyl LP and celebrated with an East Coast Tour in May 2017.
The band’s first release, the 2015 EP Better Days, recorded in a day on a shoestring budget has since sold out three pressings of 7” vinyl, clocked hundreds of thousands of streaming hits worldwide and featured in the soundtrack of US cable show Rosewood. Following this success the band have been honing their songs and sound on the Australian festival circuit, with appearances at Queenscliff Music Festival and Summer of Soul.
“Simon Burke has always known how to write a great tune!” – Lance Ferguson (The Bamboos/Double J)
“Dial back the tempo and let The Meltdown soothe you like only Sam Cooke or Solomon Burke could. This Melbourne ensemble has the sound and the conviction to help you reconcile your ways – softly and sweetly.” – Nick Rodwell (4ZZZ)
“I’ve followed The Meltdown’s career over the last few years, both as a dynamic live act and as a recording ensemble and they never fail to deliver! They swing, they groove, they rock and they roll, filling dance floors and spreading an irresistible vibe.” – Brian Nankervis (Rockwiz/ABC Local)
